Water barrier device

ABSTRACT

A water barrier device which doubles as a walkway, the device having a base secured to earth proximate a body of water and a plate pivotally connected to the base unit. There is a lifting device connected between the base and the plate for lifting one side of the plate that is opposite the body of water. There is a seal between the plate and the base, and between multiple plates thereby creating a water barrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a water barrier device and method of use. This invention offers protection to buildings and waterfronts from hurricanes, high water and flood surges, as well as other similar type natural disasters.

For hundreds of years, homes and business alike have been damaged or destroyed by hurricanes and/or high waters. One problem that usually accompanies a hurricane is a storm surge. This is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the hurricane winds swirling around the storm. The advancing surge can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard. This force can crush any building not specifically designed to withstand such a force. In addition, flood waters in known flood zones cause tremendous damage to both buildings and landscape.

Another problem during a hurricane is there is debris flying around in the strong winds. When this debris is blown toward a building and it strikes a glass window, the glass can break. Once the glass breaks, the building's “seal” from the outside elements is broken. The high winds can blow rain water into the building causing water damage. This also allows high winds to enter the structure and cause other damage to the building to include possibly tearing the building's roof off. By protecting the glass from breaking you help protect the whole building. These and other problems were encountered all too often during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. One device and method of protecting buildings is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/252,287 by the same inventor as the present application and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In view of the foregoing, there is a long felt need and it is therefore highly desirable to be able to protect buildings and waterfronts from damage or destruction from natural disasters, such as hurricanes or floods. Since storms, such as hurricanes allow some amount of prior warning as to where the damaging elements of the storm may come from, protection devices can be used to reduce building damage. It is therefore the primary feature or advantage of the present invention to provide an improved water barrier device and method of use.

Another feature or advantage of the current invention is a device of protecting buildings and waterfronts from water damage.

A further feature or advantage of the current invention is a water barrier device which can be used for multiple purposes.

A further feature or advantage of the current invention is a provision of a water barrier device which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.

A still further feature or advantage of the current invention is a method of protecting a water front using a barrier device.

One or more of these and/or other features or advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification and claims that follow.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more of the foregoing features or advantages may be achieved by a water barrier device having a base that is secured to earth proximate a body of water. A plate is pivotally connected to the base. A lifting device is connected between the base and plate for lifting a side of the plate that is opposite the body of water and a seal is between the base and the plate for preventing water from passing there through. The water barrier device may have multiple plates. If the water barrier device has multiple plates there is preferably a seal between adjacent pairs of multiple plates for preventing water from passing there through. The water barrier device may furthermore have a sub-plate which locates and seals between adjacent raised plates to form a curve in the barrier device when raised from the base. The water barrier device may be made out of rigid steel and may have plate supports for strengthening the plate.

A further feature or advantage of the present invention is a water barrier device having a footing, preferably concrete, for securing the base to earth. The footing may be configured with a water return curve to turn the flow of water and minimize erosion of the earth.

A further feature or advantage of the present invention is a water barrier device having a lifting device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, for raising the device into place.

Another feature or advantage of the present invention is a water barrier device where the barrier plate pivots from about horizontal to over 90° from horizontal to force water flowing towards a face of the plate downward and thus away from the plate.

A further feature or advantage of the present invention is a water barrier device which doubles as a walkway.

A further feature or advantage of the present invention is a water barrier device having an automated control system for raising and lowering the plate into place.

One or more features or advantages of the present invention may be achieved by a method of protecting a water front from high water or water surges by creating a plate that has a base secured to earth adjacent a body of water, the plate pivotally connected to the base and having a lifting device connected between the base and the plate for lifting a side of the plate that is opposite the body of water, locating the deflector shield adjacent the body of water in an area that is likely to receive high water or water surges, securing the deflector shield to earth, and sealing between the base and the plate for preventing water from passing there through.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES AND DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a water front with one embodiment of the water barrier device of the present invention in a down position and usable as a walkway.

FIG. 2 is the water front of FIG. 1 with the water barrier device shown in an upright position for blocking high water.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the water barrier device of FIG. 2 shown holding back high water.

FIG. 4 is the water barrier device of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the water barrier device formed in a concave curve as viewed from the body of water.

FIG. 5 is the water barrier device of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the water barrier device formed in a convex curve as viewed from a body of water.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the water barrier device of the present invention adjacent an embankment.

FIG. 7 is the water barrier device of FIG. 6 shown in the upright position.

FIG. 8 is the view along lines 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the barrier device convex curve shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the barrier device convex curve of FIG. 9 in an upright position.

FIG. 11 is a blowup of a portion of the water barrier device and indicated as 11-11 of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 show a typical water front 10 with a body of water 12 and a shore or land 14. Many times a roadway 16 or buildings 18 are located on the water front 10. The water barrier device assembly 20 of the present invention is shown in a down position in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and up in FIG. 2. Because the water barrier device assembly 20 can be retracted to lay approximately horizontal, the water barrier device assembly 20 can double as a walkway, bikeway, roadway, or other type of pathway.

The water barrier device assembly 20 has one or more plates 22 which assemble side-by-side and seal together to hold out high water 12. As best shown in FIG. 3, the plates 22 can pivot at a plate pivot point 24 using a plate pivot hinge 25 to rotate between approximately horizontal to some plate angle 23. The plate angle 23 is preferably greater than 90° above horizontal so that the water barrier device assembly 20 has more strength to hold back the water 12. In addition, with the plate angle 23 greater than 90° from horizontal the water current 13 which approaches the plate 22 is forced downward and away from the plate 22. This helps to reduce the direct force of the water currents 13 directly on the plate 22.

The plate or plates 22 are pivotally connected to the base 26. FIG. 11 best shows the base plate pivot hinge 25 connected between the plate 22 and the base 26. The plate 22 is lifted from its lowered position to its raised position by one or more support beams 28. The support beams 28 lower and fold at a support hinge 30 when a lifting device or hydraulic cylinder 32 is extended. Any type of lifting device can be used in place of the hydraulic cylinder 32. However, the hydraulic cylinder 32 is preferred. An automated control system 33 is operatively connected to the lifting device or hydraulic cylinder 32 for raising and lowering the plate 22. The automated control system 33 can be located in any convenient place for controlling the water barrier device assembly 20. In addition, a manual lifting device can be used for raising the plates 22 into position. The support beams 28 pivot along the plate 22 and the base 26 at plate support hinges 34. One of ordinary skill in the art can see how the lifting device or hydraulic cylinder 32 pushing and pulling against the support beams 28 can cause the support beams 28 to fold downward and back on itself and extend to lower and raise the plate 22 into place.

As shown in FIG. 3, the base 26 should be secured to the earth 40 using footings 42 and 44. Preferably the footings 42, 44 are formed from concrete. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 11 the footing 44 nearest the water 12 has a footing water return curve 45 formed in an upper portion of the footing 44 on the side of the water 12. This footing water return curve 45 reroutes the water currents 13 once the currents 13 hit the plate 22 and are directed downward the water return curve 45 turns the water 12 and water currents 13 back towards the body of water 12 and away from the water barrier device assembly 20. This helps to reduce direct force and pressure from the water currents 13 on the water barrier device assembly 20. In addition, the water return curve 45 directs the water away from the plate and helps to reduce erosion of the earth 40 around the footing 44 which might weaken the structure of the water barrier device assembly 20 or the secure hold from the footings 42, 44. Embedded in the footings 42, 44 are anchors 46 which can secure or tighten to the base 26 and the water barrier device assembly 20 with use of nuts 47. Other types of systems for securing the water barrier device assembly 22 to the earth 40 is acceptable.

To prevent the flow of water 12 past the water barrier device assembly 20, seals 48 between the plate 22 and the footing 44 prevent the flow of water 12 past the water barrier device assembly 20. As the plate 22 extends upward past 90° from horizontal the bottom end of the plate 22 pushes against the seal 48 thereby creating a water tight seal. The seal 48 is preferably made of a compressible material capable of withstanding the corrosiveness of water, and where applicable, salt water.

Seals 49 are additionally placed between adjacent plates 22. The seals 49 prevent water from passing between two adjacent plates 22. Again, the seal 49 can be made of any material capable of withstanding needed water pressures, water corrosion, and flexible or pliable enough to allow two plates 22 to slide up beside one another and seal between them.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the water barrier device assembly 20 having a barrier device concave curve 50 as viewed from the body of water 12. In this embodiment, the curve 50 will have plates 22 which are adjacent to one another on the side of the plate 22 nearest the water 12. However, on the side of the plate 22 opposite the water 12 there will be gaps 51 between the adjacent plates 22. Then, as the plates 22 are extended upward beyond 90° from horizontal, the plate gaps 51 between the plates 22 will close together around the curve 50. In addition, seals 49 seal out water between the plates 22.

FIG. 5 shows 8, 9 and 10 one embodiment of the water barrier device assembly 20 with a barrier device convex curve 52 as seen from the body of water 12. As the plates 22 for the convex curve 52 extend from approximately horizontal to up past 90°, a gap is created between the adjacent plates 22. Therefore, as seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a sub plate 54 is located below the plates 22. The sub plate 54 rotates upward to fill the gap created between the plates 22. Again, there are seals between the sub plate 54 and the plates 22 for preventing water from passing past the water barrier device assembly 20.

It is preferred that the plates 22 and sub plate 54 are supported with plate support beams that are welded, bolted, or otherwise attached to the plates 22 and sub plate 54 for adding strength to the plates 22 and sub plate 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the water barrier device assembly can be terminated at the end of the water barrier device assembly 20 by butting up against an embankment 60. The embankment 60 can be a natural hill, dike, or other device for holding water out of the water front 10. To prevent erosion of the embankment 60, a rigid device such as a concrete or stone buttress 62 is located between the water barrier device assembly 20 and the embankment 60. The buttress 62 forms a seal between the plates 22 and the buttress 62 by using a seal 49.

In summary, the present invention is a flip-up water retention wall or water barrier device assembly 20. The purpose is to prevent flooding due to storm surges caused by hurricanes or heavy rains in general. The water barrier device assembly 20 would preferably be manufactured as separate units or plates 22, and shipped to their installation location, and installed adjacent to one another to create a flip-up wall system. The water barrier device assembly 20 can be placed along coasts, lakes, rivers, and the like. The water barrier device assembly 20 could also be placed on top of existing levies. The water barrier device assembly 20 of the present invention would offer greater protection from high water without obstructing views, except in time of need. Any time there becomes a danger of high waters flooding a water front 10, the water barrier device assembly 20 would be raised to hold back the water 12, thus protecting homes, businesses, roads, other property and human life.

The present invention offers at least three advantages over the prior art. A first advantage is to hold back flood waters to protect property from high water damage when the water barrier device assembly is in its raised position. A second advantage is that people would be able to use and enjoy the water barrier device assembly in its lowered position as a walkway or other pathway, because when not in use these flip-up walls lay flat on the ground within their own frame work. The water barrier device assembly 20 may have a covering on the plates 22, such as wood or plastic, to give the water barrier device assembly 20 a “boardwalk” appearance. Then, when in the lowered position, the public would be able to walk, ride bikes, rollerblade, run, jog, and etc. on the water barrier device. A third advantage of the present invention is that people's view of the body of water 12 would not be obstructed by a permanent tall structure or levy. When the water barrier device assembly 20 is in its down or lowered position, it is unnoticeable, except as a walkway or boardwalk. A related advantage, is that it is well known that it is difficult to persuade people generally, as well as municipalities, counties, and other governmental organizations to invest in preventative measures as disasters tend to occur infrequently and current needs end up being prioritized over disaster prevention and management measures. The present invention's dual use both as an aesthetically pleasing boardwalk as well as a disaster prevention measure addresses multiple concerns and is therefore more easily justifiable as an expense because it provides immediate benefits and not just future potential benefits. It is believed that the present invention may ultimately provide other benefits such as reduced flood insurance rates to its owners.

Base 26 of framework of the water barrier device assembly 20 is preferred to be constructed from strong, heavy steel such as I-beams and/or rectangular tubing. A pivot point for the plates 22 is to be closest to the body of water 12. The base 26 is to be secured to the earth 40 by strong concrete footings 42, 44. The footings 44 on the water 12 side, would be curved with a water return curve 45 to turn the water current 13 back onto itself and back towards the body of water 12 to prevent the water 12 from cutting away and eroding the earth 40 at the footings 44. When being raised, the plates 22 pivot out of the frame or base 26 and down into a notch in the footing 44 which has a water tight gasket or seal 48 to prevent water leakage along the bottom of the plates 22. The plates 22 pivot tight into this notch in the footing 44 which gives added strength to the water barrier device assembly 20 from the water pressure of the water barrier device assembly 20. As each plate 22 comes up to its full up position, the sides of the plates 22 mate to each other with a rubber-type gasket or water seal 49 along each edge to prevent leakage of water along the sides of the plates 22. The plates will be pivoted by a lifting device 32 and held into place by strong beam support arms or support beams 28.

The invention has been shown and described above with the preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes its stated objectives. 

1-3. (canceled)
 4. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a footing for securing the base to the earth and configured with a water return curve to alter the flow of the body of water and minimize erosion of the earth.
 5. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the lifting device is a hydraulic cylinder.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising concrete footings to secure the base to the earth.
 8. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising multiple plates configured so that, when the plates are pivoted to the up position, the barrier forms a curve and deflects water around a curve. 9-11. (canceled)
 12. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising plate supports for strengthening and supporting the plate.
 13. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising an automated control system for raising and lowering the plate between the up and down positions.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The method of claim 24 further comprising securing the base to the earth with concrete footings.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising forming one of the footings to have a return curve for forcing water back towards the body of water.
 17. The method of claim 24 further comprising bracing the plates for added strength to withstand high water and water surges.
 18. The method of claim 24 wherein the plate is configured as a walkway when in the down position.
 19. (canceled)
 20. Apparatus for protecting a building built upon the earth from a body of water during hurricanes comprising: the earth having an upwardly presented surface and which extends to the body of water; the building being on the earth separate from the body of water; a base between the building and the body of water and being connected to the earth; a plate pivotally mounted to the base for pivotal movement from a down position approximately at zero degrees with respect to the base to an up position wherein the plate forms an angle of greater than 90 degrees with respect to the base and is slanted toward the body of water; a lifting device connected between the base and the plate for causing the plate to move between the down position and the up position; the plate having an upwardly presented surface that approximates the upwardly presented surface of the earth and can be walked upon by a human when in the down position; the plate forming a protective barrier for the building when in the up position so as to protect the building from the body of water during hurricanes.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a plurality of bases and plates are pivotally joined to one another, a plurality of seals being between the plurality of plates when in the up position to seal the plates to one another.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the pivotal connection between the base and the plate is provided with a seal when the plate is in the up position so as to provide a seal against the body of water.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the plurality of plates are pivotally connected to the plurality of bases by a plurality of pivotal connections, a plurality of seals being provided adjacent the plurality of pivotal connections respectively so as to provide a plurality of seals against the body of water when the plate is in the up position.
 24. A method for protecting a building from a body of water during hurricanes, the building being on the earth spaced from the body of water, the method comprising: placing a base on the earth between the building and the body of water, the earth having an upwardly presented surface; pivotally mounting a plate to the base for pivotal movement from a down position wherein an upwardly presented surface of the plate approximates the upwardly presented surface of the earth and can be walked upon by a human to an up position wherein the plate forms an angle of greater than 90 degrees with respect to the base and is slanted toward the body of water; connecting a lifting device to the base and the plate for causing the plate to move between the up and the down positions; the plate creating a protective barrier for the building when in the up position so as to protect the building from the body of water during hurricanes. 